The next round of applications for the Nanoscale Science and Engineering
Competition at NSF has deadline dates of October 22, 2003 and includes an
emphasis on Societal Dimensions. Here's a relevant section from the new
program announcement, describing this theme for the Nanoscale
Interdisciplinary Research Teams:
Societal and Educational Implications of Scientific and Technological
Advances on the Nanoscale.
Innovations in science and technology require social support and influence
social structures and processes, sometimes in unexpected ways. Examining the
ethical and other social implications of these societal interactions is
necessary, in order to understand their scope and influence and to
anticipate and respond effectively to them. Support for nanoscience and
nanotechnology is likely to enhance understanding of fundamental natural
processes, from living systems to astronomy, and change the production and
use of many goods and services. Studies of the varied social interactions
that involve these new scientific and technological endeavors can improve
our understanding of, for example, economic implications of innovation;
knowledge barriers to adoption of nanotechnology in commerce, healthcare, or
environmental protection; educational and workforce needs; ethical issues in
the selection of research priorities and applications; implications of
converging interests of different fields of science and engineering towards
the nanoscale; and risk perception, communication, and management. This
theme aims at a long-term vision for societal and educational implications
of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
You will find the program announcement at
http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03043.
For general information about NSF activities in Nanoscale Science and
Engineering, see: http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/nano/start.htm
Best, Rachelle
Rachelle D. Hollander
SDEST-EVS&RST
NSF Room 995
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
703-292-7272 -9068fax
[log in to unmask]
http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/ses/sdest
After Oct. 1, 2002, all proposals must address both NSF review criteria in
the project summary and description. See the NSF Grant Proposal Guide,
www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?gpg
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